Could mold in the toy chest cause my twins' cough?« Back to Previous Page

Our twins have been having a persistent cough and runny noses for the last month, and we can’t seem to shake it. I finally pulled out their wooden toy chest from the corner of their bedroom and found a patch of black fuzzy mold on the back where it was against the wall. I’m really worried about them sleeping in that room every night. **Could this level of mold exposure be the cause of their ongoing respiratory issues, and what’s the first thing I should do to make their room safe?**
Posted by Noor Abbas
Asked on March 15, 2026 1:57 pm
Based on my professional experience in mold inspection and remediation in the UAE, yes, the mold on the toy chest is a very probable cause of your twins' persistent respiratory symptoms. Even a small, localized patch can release millions of microscopic spores into the air, which are then inhaled. Children are particularly susceptible due to their developing respiratory systems and higher breathing rates relative to their body size.

The black, fuzzy growth you describe is likely a type of mold that thrives in our specific Dubai climate. The constant use of air conditioning creates significant temperature differentials between cold walls and the warm, humid air, leading to condensation—an ideal breeding ground for mold behind furniture. The wooden toy chest acted like a sponge, absorbing this moisture from the wall.

Your first and most critical step is to isolate the source. Move the toy chest out of the room immediately and carefully clean the wall behind it with a detergent solution. However, please note that surface cleaning is only a temporary measure. Disturbing the mold can aerosolize more spores. The persistent nature of your children's symptoms strongly suggests a deeper issue, likely within the wall cavity itself, which you cannot see. This requires professional assessment.

For the health of your family, I strongly recommend a certified mold inspection. Our teams at Saniservice use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to identify the exact moisture source and extent of hidden growth, which is crucial for an effective and permanent solution. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a professional evaluation at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 18, 2026 4:36 am